His Name is John

When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son....(Zechariah) asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”....Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them... And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.... Luke 1:57-77


The relatives and neighbors thought it traditional to name the baby Zechariah, after his father. Elizabeth said no, his name is John. Apparently Zechariah had conveyed that information to her during his hiatus from serving in the temple; remember, he had doubted Gabriel's announcement and had been struck dumb, rendering him unable to perform his priestly duties until the child was born (Luke 1:19-20). They were astonished, because John was not a family name, and asked Zechariah. He wrote: His name is John ("God is gracious"). As soon as the baby was given this divinely appointed name (v.13), Zechariah could speak again. Old Zech had had a lot of time to contemplate the angel's announcement, the profound meaning of this baby born to him and Elizabeth in their old age, the prophecies of just what kind of man this infant will grow up to be and the ministry John will have as he prepares the way for the Savior's work in the world.

As people of grace and righteousness, Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed, probably for many years (Luke 1:13), both for a son, and for a deliverer of their nation, Israel. Here's the fulfillment: you have a son and he will introduce the deliverer. Never give up, brethren. God is listening. Just because we don't see immediate results does not mean God is not paying attention, or that He doesn't already have the provision in the pipeline for us. The simple fact is, He is and He does. It will be in God's perfect timing, and it will likely not be according to our specifications. God knows exactly what we need, when we need it and how it will all work together for our ultimate good. We are instruments in HIS plan, not vice versa, and His plan is for the salvation of the human race. It's called Grace.

So, being filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah pronounced the prophecy of his only child's life and work. It would be a different kind of life and a magnificent work, far beyond anything his elderly parents could foresee.

And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. Luke 1:80